Protect your home by discouraging intruders from making it their next target. Burglars are less likely to victimize a house that looks occupied or protected by a security system.
When you're on vacation or away from home
Put lights, stereo or TV on a timer to give the appearance that someone is home.
Secure sliding glass doors with pins to prevent both horizontal and vertical movement.
Don't stop your mail or newspaper deliveries; it signals you're away. Instead, have a neighbor pick up your deliveries.
Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway to give your home the appearance that someone is there.
Keep yourself safe at home. Lock doors and windows when you're home alone. Forty percent of home invasions occur because a door or window was left unlocked.
Look through your peephole viewer to see who's there before opening the door.
Always request identification from salespeople or repairmen before you let them in your home.
List only your first initial and last name in the phone book.
Fix broken locks or windows and install deadbolts on doors leading outside.
Replace all locks immediately after moving into a new home
Keep your valuables safe
Store high-value items such as jewelry, furs and firearms in a small closet with a solid core door, a non-removable hinge and a deadbolt lock.
Keep important papers, valuable jewelry and large amounts of cash in a safe deposit box.
Engrave your valuables with your driver's license or social security number.
Keep gift-wrapped packages hidden from outside view.
When you purchase new electronic equipment, do not "advertise it". Break down cartons before discarding.
